· Government declares an unyielding crusade against drug mafia
The Government of Himachal Pradesh has unleashed a multidimensional, uncompromising and resolutely outcome-driven offensive against the narcotic scourge, ‘Chitta’ and those who peddle it. This initiative transcends the bounds of a routine administrative exercise. It is nothing less than a decisive crusade against the drug mafia, waged with determination and an unflinching will to eradicate this menace without the slightest concession. On 15 November 2025, Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu led a historic Mega Walkathon from the iconic Ridge in Shimla to Chaura Maidan, heralding the advent of a statewide people’s uprising against Chitta. A similar mass rally and walkathon in Dharamshala further galvanized public sentiment. Reiterating the Government’s unwavering intent, the Chief Minister proclaimed that dismantling the Chitta nexus is not merely an objective but the Government’s singular and inviolable mission.
The campaign is expanding rapidly, from state headquarters to panchayats, to villages, and now to every household. Every section of society is being mobilized to participate actively in this movement. In Dharamshala, the Chief Minister further broadened the multidimensional strategy by exhorting citizens to share credible information regarding Chitta networks and announcing rewards for informants. This signifies a profound evolution, the anti-drug initiative has metamorphosed from a governmental programme into a potent, people-driven movement.
The State Government is reinforcing this movement through tough legal and administrative action. Anti-drug laws are being further strengthened. The State’s Zero-Tolerance policy against Chitta leaves no room for leniency. Regardless of one’s influence and involvement in this nefarious trade will lead directly to prison.
Recently, the State Cabinet took a significant decision to merge the Anti-Narcotics Task Force with the Special Task Force, creating a unified Special Task Force under the Home Department. The message is strong and clear, the Government will not rest until the Chitta mafia is uprooted completely. The mission is unequivocal, to make Himachal Pradesh totally free from Chitta and other psychotropic drugs and safeguard the future of the younger generation. In Dharamshala, the Chief Minister further strengthened the multidimensional strategy by urging citizens to share information related to Chitta networks with the authorities and also announced rewards for informers. This proves that the anti-drug drive is no longer only a government programme but has evolved into a powerful people-driven movement. The Government has implemented an integrated, multi-tier action plan involving the Police, Education Department, Social Justice & Empowerment Department and community participation. Schools, colleges, panchayats, cities and rural areas across the state are witnessing intensified awareness programmes to protect the youth from the catastrophic effects of drugs. Making his intentions clear, the Chief Minister, said “This is not merely a campaign, it was a war against the drug mafia. There is no space for leniency or compromise. The eradication of Chitta peddlers and drug syndicates is inevitable. No one will escape the tightening grip of the law.” New legislation has been enacted to ensure rehabilitation of drug-addicted youths and severe punishment for drug traffickers. The provisions include death penalty, life imprisonment, fines up to Rs.10 lakh and confiscation of drug mafia assets.
The last three years have witnessed historic anti-narcotics action by the Himachal Pradesh Police. A total of 5642 cases under NDPS Act were registered, 28.1% higher than the previous term. 8216 accused were arrested and the police seized 36.657 kilograms of Chitta along with large quantities of other narcotics. With the coordinated efforts of the Government, Police, public representatives and citizens, mapping of Chitta addicts and drug suppliers was going on rapidly at the Panchayat level. Every village and Panchayat will now have ‘Nasha Nivaran Committee’. A new chapter on drug awareness is being introduced in the school curriculum to make children aware of this fatal drug and substance abuse. The Chief Minister firmly believes that youth trapped in drug addiction are not criminals, but victims. They need treatment, compassion and rehabilitation, not punishment. To serve this purpose, the Addiction Prevention and Rehabilitation Board has been constituted and multiple new initiatives have been rolled out.
A heightened collective consciousness, coupled with an unshakeable societal resolve to vanquish Chitta toxin that imperils the cultural ethos, moral foundations and future of Himachal Pradesh has ushered in a historic turning point for the State.
